Boat/life shopping in the Caribbean

[kaluvic]

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I've got a friend who would like to visit the Caribbean to get a feel for the place, with the ultimate objective of buying a live aboard sailboat...and possible starting a new adventure there.

If you only had a couple weeks...what would be the best place to visit that would give a taste of that "Caribbean life style" AND have a large selection of used boats for sale?

What possibilities are there for reasonably priced accommodation?

Is now a good time to go?

Are there places that "Vat paid" would be accepted in Europe
Like some Guadalupe?...other.

My friend is European and may ultimately take the boat to the EU

Thanks for any help and advice you can give.

[Zanshin]

The ex-French and Dutch countries are still, for the most part, extenstion of the EU. St. Martin/Sint Maarten is French & Dutch, the ABC islands and Saba remain Dutch, and Guadeloupe and Martnique are still distinctly French. The BVI and Antigua retain hints of their British roots (mainly in their cuisine).
All of these countries are not, in my opinion, typically Caribbean as they cater to tourism and have GDPs that are much higher than countries to the west and south of them. The "real" Caribbean is less developed and not as affluent and has less visible european influence.

[Zanshin]

VAT paid on French boats is accepted back home, but VAT paid UK-registered boats need to be in the UK at the time of sale, so that wouldn't work. Each EU nation has different rules on VAT applicability. The BVI, St. Martin and Antigua together probably have the majority of boats for sale.

[Faster]

While not so good for boat shopping,I'd agree the lesser developed islands like Domineca, Nevis and Carriacou will give you a real Caribbean experience.

A few years ago we pulled into Basseterre, St Kitts late in the day.. took an evening stroll through town (quaint but surprisingly hard to fine a good cup of coffee!).. and awoke to find that 2 cruise ships had pulled in overnight. It was a completely different place all of a sudden.

Then again, the bustling touristy islands might be what your friend is looking for.. and the major marina ports will likely have some available listings.

[kaluvic]

Thanks Guys.
My friend is looking for warm tranquil and uncomplicated....
The boat shopping and the living on the boat will most likely be two different places...Pretty sure the initial visit would focus on finding the boat.

[kootenay]

My wife and I spent 3 months living on Dominica last year and while its a lovely island dont expect anything remotely connected with sailing to be available. No facilities = no boats. While we enjoyed our time there neither of us could seem to shake a strange feeling about the place. It was an unsettled feeling. And after winters spent in Thailand, Maui, BVI, Mexico we have never experienced it before. It was strange but I must say I was relieved to leave. This winter in Costa Rica I have exactly the opposite feeling I wish I didnt have to leave. So if its about Sailing I would cross Dominica off your list. St. Marteen either side would be my suggestion and it fits with the VAT paid part I suspect.

If you want to look at lots of boats then BVI is the place you want to be.
Boat sales & used boats for sale at Boatshed - The online boat trader network

Might want to have him check out these listings

[wind_magic]

Originally Posted by kootenay

While we enjoyed our time there neither of us could seem to shake a strange feeling about the place. It was an unsettled feeling. And after winters spent in Thailand, Maui, BVI, Mexico we have never experienced it before. It was strange but I must say I was relieved to leave.

Sounds like how it feels when you have to go to the mall to buy something.